The following is an ongoing list of all the prompts we’ve used in the writer’s workshop so far…I didn’t think them up all by myself. I’ve been inspired by countless bloggers, web sites such as writingfix, plinky, NaBloPoMo , writer’s digest, O Magazine, friends, family, countless books, people in airports, kids, personal experiences and of course my own fabulous imagination. Can I be too lazy to site them all?
Because I am:
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- My 10 biggest fears.
- A favorite childhood toy.
- When I’m upset…
- Weave a poem that contains all these lines (in no particular order): “I tie the ribbon in a foolish way”, “the delicious fragility of this travesty”, “where we still laugh and wish”.
- Write about a memory related to a holiday.
- Recall a time when you did something to get noticed. Write about it.
- Begin with “I wish someone told me…”
- If you could rearrange three things about your life what would they be?
- What do you love to create?
- Complete the sentence “I’d walk a mile for a ________.” and continue writing about it.
- Describe in detail a person who leaves no stone unturned.
- When out to lunch with co-workers, you bump into a close friend who refers to you by a nickname.
- Because of its unusualness, the nickname catches the interest of one of your co-workers who asks for the story behind it. Start your story with, “This may come as a surprise, but … ” and end it with, “And that’s how I got the nickname (fill in the blank).”
- Write about an intense game of Scrabble that takes an ugly turn for the worse.
- Write from the point of view of a glass at the edge of the table.
- Describe a typical day during your Jr. High years.
- Why do you write?
- When I’m around too much negativity I…
- You’ve been hired as a writer for “Late Show with David Letterman.” Your first assignment is to come up with a witty, nonpolitical Top Ten list for him to read on air.
- Write a short essay about your child (and if you have more than one just choose your favorite and if you don’t have kids than just talk about your pet and if you don’t have a pet just talk about your significant other and if you don’t have a significant other than FREAK! Pick one of the other prompts this one is clearly not for you. ps go adopt a cat for crying out loud the humane society is overflowing with them.).
- Name three people you last emailed and why.
- How is life different for your children than when you were growing up?
- Write a letter to the 10-year-old child you had been.
- Describe a childhood birthday.
- Do you have reoccurring dreams? What are they about?
- Close your eyes, open a dictionary, and point to a word. Does your word mean anything special to you?
- Lost? How come?
- If I could take tomorrow off work I’d…
- Write a letter to someone you miss greatly
- 10 things I believe in…
- Put Shaggy (Scooby Doo’s partner) and Batgirl in an elevator and write a 200 word scene.
- Write about a time you hid from someone, or a time you disguised who you really were.
- List 10 things worth saving then choose one of those things and write about it.
- What did you do before we had the internet?
- You awaken with amnesia in what looks to be an igloo. You have $4 and a rock in one pocket, and a toothbrush in the other. Someone is staring at you. Write this scene.
- Write a 16-line poem (rhyming or non-rhyming) about a moment from your childhood that changed your life for the better.
- You’re sitting at work one day and receive a text message from an unrecognized number. The text says,
- “I have the money and hid the body.” You think this is a practical joke from a friend, so you play along at first. But the more texts you receive, the more you realize that it isn’t a joke. Write the text conversation you have with this unknown texter.
- 10 of my absolute worst pet peeves…
- 43. Fictionalize an event that happened to one of your parents, friends, or siblings.
- Write a haiku about what you see out the window. (if you don’t know what a haiku is click here.)
- Begin with “I thought I saw…”
- If I could live in any era of history, what would it be — list 10 reasons why.
- Write a light hearted piece on how to get along with an enemy.
- The first time you…
- The last time I laughed really hard…
- Forgive and forget…I think.
- I remember when…
- Write about something that bothered you this week.
- Write a poem about a favorite color.
- Tag! Post and write about the 6th picture from (the 6th folder of?) your Flickr account and then do the same for the 6th picture of the 6th folder on your computer.
- Are you still friends with you high school friends? Describe them.
- If you had to star in a reality tv show, which one would it be and why?
- Describe a time when your pet caused chaos.
- Allergies much?
- Worst dentist experience ever.
- Describe a “new road” you’ve taken in your life.
- What would you say to a mouse who could talk?
- Who is the best listener you know? What makes him or her such a good listener?
- Write or share a letter to Santa.
- Describe a favorite Winter memory.
- Last night it snowed buckets and you are forced to spend the entire day at home with your family…what’s the plan!?!
- What’s the best gift you’ve ever gotten/given.
- Describe a Christmas tradition that you have started with your own family?
- Describe a New Year’s where you would have been better off just staying home.
- What do you do that drives your mother crazy?
- Share your favorite gluten free recipe (hey, so what if I rig the topics to suit my life…)
- Close out 2008 with your own TOP 10 list!
- Describe your latest obsession.
- Ask a loved one to use 6 descriptive words to describe you and report your findings. How well do they know you?
- Who was your first bloggy friend? How did you find each other? Do you still correspond?
- Tell us about your pet! If you have a weird infatuation with your dog or cat we want to hear about it (or if they just plain drive you crazy)…but please don’t compare them to children. It’s just not the same.
- Describe your significant other’s most attractive quality (on the inside).
- Tell about a time you stole something.
- Choose a poem you like. Take the last line and use it as the first line of your own poem.
- Write about a scary encounter with one of your old professors.
- Tell us about a memorable blind date.
- Other than the birth of a child or your wedding, write about a joyous moment.
- Write about one of the most difficult decisions you have made in your life.
- Share the best picture you took last month and explain why it’s your favorite.
- Tell us about a stray animal you took in.
- Write a poem for your favorite teacher of all time.
- Describe someone in your life you wish you saw more of.
- Write a letter to someone who bothered you this week.
- If you were starring on American Idol TONIGHT and HAD to sing, what song would you choose and why.
- Take a picture of yourself right this minute without primping and explain to us why it is you have not washed your hair today.
- I just asked Pat to help me with a writing prompt so here’s his: “What do you think about the NBA All Star game”…blech.
- What’s your number one pet peeve? Develop a punishment for anyone caught in the act.
- Write about something mean you did to a sibling growing up.
- For your birthday a sibling has decided to have the first six months of your blog printed and bound. Write a forward for the book.
- Write a 26-line poem using all the letters of the alphabet, where the first line starts with the letter “A,” the second “B,” the third “C,” etc., culminating with the final line starting with “Z.”
- Start your story with, “In retrospect, I wouldn’t say it was my best idea.” And end it with, “And that’s how I attempted to make this world a better place.
- What would the truth have done? Write about a time when honesty was NOT the best policy.
- What made your childhood bearable? Write about it.
- Discuss an intense game of Pictionary that you spent most of Saturday night arguing with your family, only to log in to your email account two days later to find 35 emails between said family regarding aformentioned game and rules.
- Tell about a time you hurt somebody that still bothers you to this day.
- The one that got away….spill it.
- What inspired you? Write about a time when you were impassioned to write.
- What happened in the last year? Write about something you can do now that you couldn’t do a year ago.
- Write about the event that was the end of your childhood
- Somebody I’m praying for….
- I don’t believe in prayer because…
- What are you putting off right now?
- You can go back to your childhood for one day. What day and age do you choose?
- Your friend tells you he can pick up any girl at the bar, no matter what he says. You bet him $100 he can’t. Create the world’s worst pick up line and send your friend off into the crowd. What happens?
- Describe a moment when you realized you and your spouse were SO different.
- What is your role in the household?
- Write about how you felt when you discovered you were lied to.
- Describe a hard time you gave a teacher…what would you say to them today?
- What is an unpleasant experience you had eating? Write a poem, paragraph, or something else about the experience.
- Book review!
- When is it okay not to listen to the words? Explain about a song you really love that has lame lyrcis or lyrics you simply don’t understand.
- Why won’t you forget? List six true sentences that begin with the words ‘I’ll never forget…’ Then use all six of your sentences in a paragraph, poem, or longer descriptive piece.
- Write about an interaction you had with a salesman.
- What’s for dinner? I’m starving.
- Who really helped you get over something? Write about that person.
- Is plastic surgery an option? Without being vulgar, write about the body part still attached to you that you would most like to dis-attach and replace with a better one.
- Share an interesting email exchange you’ve had with someone lately.
- Have you thought about shutting down your blog? Why haven’t you and what would cause you to make that decision final?
- Today I will…
- Define goodness…joy…sorrow…and anger using pictures you’ve taken.
- Tomorrow I will do it differently. Here’s how…
- Describe a ‘sound’ from your childhood. What was it? When did you hear it? What does it bring to mind?
- I remember when…
- Right now is the best time to start. What’s your first step?
- If I sent you four hundred dollars today what is ONE thing you would spend it on and why. ps I want my change.
- What are your kids talking about?
- Tell us about a local news story that’s all the buzz right now in your neck of the woods.
- Share some blogging advice.
- Tell us about that time at the playground when that thing happened.
- Why did you do it?
- What is a common misconception about you?
- Describe a moment when you felt afraid.
- In what ways are you turning into your mother?
- Are you always right?
- Create a video for your blog by talking about an emotion you’ve felt this week.
- Do you want a baby?
- Who got in big trouble this week?
- Write a poem for your mother.
- Time for a trip? Where are you headed this summer?…Or where would you go if you COULD.
- Share a love letter.
- Memorial Day Weekend plans?? Do share!
- List ten things you are currently sick of.
- Put an outfit together using pictures you found online and show us what you’d LIKE to be wearing today.
- What have you been too busy to pay attention to?
- What is your life’s anthem? You know…that song that is ALWAYS in your head. The one you’d go to sing first if someone told you to sing a song right NOW. What is it and what does it mean to you?
- We love telemarketers don’t we!?! Describe a memorable experience you had with one.
- How much does focusing on weight affect your daily life?
- Describe in what ways you expect too much from your significant other. Do they deserve an apology?
- List ten things that make you HAPPY.
- Share a sleep walking story of your own!!
- Tell us about a lie you told that you later regretted.
- Choose a task you’d like someone to complete and write a poem asking them to do it.
- Describe a talent you have.
- Write a list of ten things on your mind this week.
- What was the first CD (or record or cassette) you ever purchased? Write about the way that particular album made you feel then. Write about how it makes you feel now.
- You were recently laid off. Instead of moping around, you’ve viewed it as a chance to start fresh. Pick a new career and write about your first day on the job.
- List your five most recent favorite things.
- I’m hungry. Share your very favorite recipe!!
- Start your story with, “In retrospect, I wouldn’t say it was my best idea.” And end it with, “And that’s how I attempted to make this world a better place.
- What would the truth have done? Write about a time when honesty was NOT the best policy.
- What made your childhood bearable? Write about it.
- Write a limerick.
- Normal is…
- Describe a memorable camping experience.
- What’s the best thing that has happened this week?
- Did you have a childhood hideout? Where? Describe it.
- Words that hurt me.
- What inspired you? Write about a time when you were impassioned to write.
- What happened in the last year? Write about something you can do now that you couldn’t do a year ago.
- Write about the event that was the end of your childhood
- I used to think…
- List ten things you can do in three minutes.
- Describe a time you allowed your child to do something that you normally would not let slide.
- I want to become friends with…
- What are you currently fascinated with?
- My favorite toy.
- I wish I could.
- Write a letter to your 10 year old self.
- Name three people you last emailed and why.
- You are twenty years into the future…write a letter to your today’s self.
- If I had the power to change something I would change…
- Describe a scary encounter with one of your old professors or teachers.
- Put Shaggy (Scooby Doo’s partner) and Batgirl in an elevator and write a 200 word scene.
- Write about a time you hid from someone, or a time you disguised who you really were.
- List 10 things worth saving then choose one of those things and write about it.
- What did you do before we had the internet?
- Tell us about a lie you told that you later regretted.
- Choose a task you’d like someone to complete and write a poem asking them to do it.
- Describe a talent you have.
- Write a list of ten things on your mind this week.
- What are you whining about?
- If you could cut back on something in your life that takes up your time what would it be? And what would you prefer to spend that time doing?
- Share a recent adventure you had with a friend.
- Describe a memorable gift. Why was it important to you?
- If you could change career paths now and be anything you wanted to be…what would you be and why?
- Write your obituary in 45 words.
- Describe something someone has done to make you feel special.
- Name your current addiction…we can get through this together.
- What have you been busy doing that’s keeping you from updating your blog? How hard is it for you to get back into the swing of blogging when you take time off?
- Write a letter.
- Where would you like to be?
- Grab your current read. Let the book fall open to a random page and share two “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
- What do you aspire to be?
- Share a piece of unsolicited parenting advice…only I’m soliciting it.
- Tell us about your blogline…how long have you been blogging, when did you start, what were/are your goals for your blog, etc.
- If you had 5000 dollars to give away or donate to a charity…explain what you would do with it and why.
- Interview a child.
- How do you stave off boredom?
- Write a poem for the little boy in your life.
- Describe a memorable interview or talk about your experience trying to find a job amidst this recession.
- Create a Help Wanted Ad.
- Mother’s guilt…tell us what happened.
- Write five “Incredibly Short Books”. Some examples:Chemical Contraception Choices for Catholic Couples”,”Teenage U.S. Presidents”,”The Book of Female Popes”,”The 2008 Book of General Motors Profits”
- The point is that the book is of zero size since the title is a contradiction with reality.
- I’ll be happy when ________________.
- Relay an interesting conversation you recently had with someone that may or may not involve creating a Loch Ness Monster Theme Park.
- Show us something you made!
- Tell us about a “dirt cheap” you’ve taken this summer.
- When I grow up I want to be like…
- Describe a difficult moment that you survived.
- List 5 things you like to do while camping…or 5 places you’d like to go.
- What are you paranoid about?
- Ask A Dad! Write a letter asking your husband for advice regarding any issue you might have and record his answer.
- Describe a situation that forced you to confront a neighbor.
- Tell us about Grandpa.
- Which appliance in your home would you most miss living without if you had to live without.
- They just don’t make (fill in the blank) like they used to!
- If you had the time and money…what charity would you help raise awareness for?
- What are YOU giddy about?
- What’s on YOUR little kids list?
- Describe what brought you closer to your faith.
- Who made you red hot this week?
- A day in your life…recap.
- What decision are you having a hard time making?
- How will you enjoy your last days of freedom (aka summer)?
- List your 7 most favorite summer items!
- What’s ailing you? Diagnose yourself with a syndrome.
- Share with us something you made by hand.
- Fess up. Tell us what you found after a spying on someone.
- Is harder to post and keep up with your blog reading during summer? How are you keeping up?
- What are you afraid of?
- Your trip to the ER…spill it.
- Why are American’s obsessed with weight? Why are we always fighting or complaining about what is natural for our bodies?”
- Describe one of your ‘God Moments’.
- List ten things you would say to ten different people in your life…if you had the hutzpah.
- Why is your kid in time out?
- What will you be doing now that the kids are back in school?
- Things I have learned from my toddler.
- What would you put in your favorite things giveaway?
- Hi, my name is ______ and I am a _______.
- If these walls could talk..
- My animals are making me nuts.
- List the 5 best things about the first day of school.
- Tell us about your crush.
- 256. How did you break it?
- Show us a favorite summer craft.
- Write about a time when you were wrongly wronged.
- Geriatric peeping Tom neighbors? Do tell.
- Mommy play dates? What’s your experience with mom dating?
- The first day of…
- Share your friendly advice for someone you think needs it (ie your mother-in-law, other drivers, cell phone users, etc.)
- What does marriage mean to you?
- Scaredy Cat!!!
- List the pieces of you that have come from those around you?
- The first day of…
- Transcribe a recent entertaining conversation you recently had with someone.
- If You Give A Mom A Moment…
- What’s the message you would craft
- Your Fall favorites.
- If your pet could talk, what would you want to know?
- If you could only focus on three things in life and pursue them fully, leaving everything else, what would they be and why?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
- Moxie is defined as the ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage; bold energy. Describe a time when you showed moxie.
- Write a poem about a loved one who has shown you moxie. What have you learned from them?
- If you were a super hero, what would your super power be and why?
- A superhero can save you from what ails you….what is your request?
- How did you meet your best friend?
- What are you feeling guilty about? or Memories of your childhood home.
- Tell why you are ecstatic “The one that got away” got away.
- Have you found your bliss? What path did you take to get there? or are you still searching)
- How is life different for your children than when you were growing up?
- What are three things everyone should know about you?
- How did you meet your best friend?
- What are you feeling guilty about? or Memories of your childhood home.
- Tell why you are ecstatic “The one that got away” got away.
- Have you found your bliss? What path did you take to get there? or are you still searching)
- What’s cooking in YOUR crockpot?
- Find your one very favorite picture of Summer and write a poem about it.
- Pay tribute to a favorite blogger! (And while you’re at it link up and enter to win an adorable pettiskirt. I want it.)
- When I look in the mirror…
- The top ten things I’d rather be doing than having sex with David Letterman
- Interview you mom…questions might include, How has motherhood changed you? What ages were your favorites? Do you miss having having kids in the house? What was the most difficult part of being a mom for you? What was the most rewarding part? etc… I think I’ll ask my Mom if I’m her favorite child and when she dodges the question (again) I’ll scream, “DAMMIT WOMAN! Answer the QUESTION!!” Feel free to steal my idea.
- Tell us the story of your birth.
- How did you parents choose your name? What does it mean? What would you change your name to if you could?
- Describe a moment when you realized your mom was more than just a mom.
- Write a poem for your Mama.
- Create a list of playground dos and don’ts.
- Describe what makes you want to live a life with passion.
- Write a poem describing who you are and/or who you are not.
- Describe how motherhood has changed you?
- Describe how you are hoping motherhood will change you?
- Show your spooky side.
- Show and Tell using your favorite Halloween home decor.
- Write a poem to your child as their Halloween character (for example I may write a poem to “Pongo”…the 101 Dalmatian Laina is going to be for Halloween)
- Post a video of yourself playing a Halloween prank on a family member or friend.
- Describe a favorite Halloween costume or moment you wish you had on video.
- Describe something you’re proud of.
- Tell me your most humorous wedding experience
- 10 reasons why you can’t sleep at night
- Describe an experience that you wish you could shake from your memory.
- Write a love letter to the object of your affection.
- Describe the best/most creative punishment you have ever given your children or received yourself.
- Tell a friend or family members story as if it happened to you.
- Tell a story about a moment in time when you were so happy you were you and not someone else in the room.
- I picked up the phone and I could not believe what I was hearing…
- Show us something you did yourself!
- A Thanksgiving to be remembered…
- Describe the most destructive thing your pet has done.
- Describe in 1000 words or less a time when something happened and you knew that life would never be the same.
- Share a diary entry from when you were 13…feel free to make one up!
- Describe a moment you felt embarrassed by your parents.
- An ER moment.
- Describe how your audition for a trashy reality show would go.
- Before all hell breaks loose Peeta and Katniss are able to picnic on the roof together…they know that when they leave one or both will likely die. Peeta looks at Katniss and says, “I wish I could freeze this moment, right here, right now, and live in it forever.” Describe your moment.
- Write a story in exactly 101 words.
- Write a POEM about something you are grateful for.
- Verse by verse, dissect a favorite song you had in 7th grade.
- List 5 must have gifts you are purchasing for a loved one this Christmas.
- Open letter to Santa Claus.
- Describe how you would celebrate the holidays if it was totally up to you and money was not a factor.
- Book review time! What winter read has you snuggled in and turning pages?
- Describe a family you know that could benefit from a lot of money.
- If you were the type to believe in “signs,” describe a “sign” you have received from someone.
- Write a poem about a fight you or someone you love has struggled to win.
- Describe a time or moment when a stranger helped you.
- Write a letter of encouragement.
- Summer’s recent post “I’m Sensitive And I Want To Stay That Way” talks about how her sensitivity works for her and against her, but that it is her cross to bear and she embraces herself for the way she is. What is your cross to bear?
- What is one of your life mottos?
- How do you deal manage the “death” talk with your kids?
- Describe a funny or favorite gift that you’ve gotten or have given.
- Write a poem to the item your loved one is obsessing over.
- Your pet wants to guest post on your blog.
- You wake up one day with an unusual super power that seems pretty worthless—until you are caught in a situation that requires that specific “talent.”
- Write about a speech you gave at a wedding.
- Write a letter to someone you received poor customer service from.
- This time I really MEAN it! It’s time to list your New Year’s resolutions for 2010.
- Describe what you would change about yourself if you could.
- Book Review! What children’s book do you hate reading to your child?
- What do you predict will happen this decade? (You can be funny or serious if you like).
- Choose the 7th picture you took from last January and write a poem.
- Write about a heated argument you had with your parents (real or fictitious).
- Time for your tangent…what is your latest complaint?
- If you could have given yourself a snapshot five years ago of what your life is like now, what would the picture be of and how do you think you would have felt about it?
- What’s in YOUR name? What does it mean? Why was it given to you? etc..
- Write a letter to the first person who ever broke your heart.
- Welcome to the most shocking rose ceremony in writing prompt history. Please award roses to the ten people (or items) in your life that you’d like to continue pursuing a relationship with.
- Create one short (a sentence long) and one longer (100 – 150 words) Elevator Pitch describing what your blog is about.
- The strangest dream ever…
- Write a list of 10 things that can be done to stave off boredom.
- How many homes have you had? Write a journal entry about ALL the places you’ve called ‘home’ in your life.
- Why wouldn’t they just start over? Write a story where a character refuses to go back to square one.
- Share one piece of great advice you’ve received from someone who knows stuff…
- Write a series of tweets that ultimately end with a line that I actually tweeted on Friday night: “And then I sat on those remaining in the pack…and pulled the glowing sticks from under my ass.”rel=”nofollow”target=”_blank”
- Gregory MaGuire (author of books like Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister) is wildly popular right now (as is the musical Wicked). Write your own “re telling” of a classic fairy tale.
- Luck, or divine intervention?
- Muffin Tin Monday…on Thursday? Every week Michelle hosts a carnival where you’re invited to link a meal you serve your kids in muffin tins. It’s kind of cute actually.
- A song you can’t escape.
- Explain a time there was an emergency. What “mode” did you go into? Freaking out, calm and collected, etc.
- Write an open later to a cartoon character.
- Write a poem about a moment you would like to relive.
- List 10 things you never knew until you were mom. Mine?
- Write a mock interview with a celeb of your choosing. Take advantage of having the power to make it go however you dream.
- Describe your worst winter weather story.
- Tell us about that scar.
- A list of dos and don’ts.
- Write a poem to your love for Valentine’s Day. :)
- The heart that just wouldn’t quit.
- Relay an entertaining conversation or string of emails you recently had with someone.
- Open your picture folders…find a random “February” picture from a past year and tell a story.
- Childhood memory time: Write about something you loved to do as a child.
- “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned” ~ Maya Angelou -Now write.
- What are your thoughts on blogging and privacy…where do you draw the line?
- What images inspire you immediately? Open a magazine and create a piece of writing (poem, story, essay) about the first image that captures your imagination.
- Why do we watch them? Make fun of soap operas with a piece of writing.
- Craft time! Do share.
- You’re so vain. You probably think this post is about you…don’t you?
- Tell us about your trip!
- A difficult conversation.
- Can you almost stop time with your words? Write about the fastest ride you ever had, but describe only a few seconds of it…as though it was happening to slow motion.
- Who blind-sided you? Write about a time someone caught you totally off guard.
- Write a letter to yourself from someone who has passed on. (ie: parent, grandparent, famous person, friend, pet, etc)
- Write a Haiku that describes what you love about an ordinary day.
- What lights your fire? Describe five things you are most passionate about.
- Share some photos and stories as well as what you love about spring.
- If you had to relive a day in your life what day would it be?
- When do you first imagine yourself wishing you were older or bigger? Write about it.
- Could a routine become interesting through words? Write about a person (perhaps you) caught up in a daily routine. Establish a rhythm with the story’s words that impersonates the rhythm of the routine.
- Describe how your relationship with your spouse is different then the relationship your parents had while you were growing up.Write about someone who is an underdog.
- Ask someone who loves you what one of your weaknesses is.
- “I need all the help I can get and if repeating something healthy and inspiring to myself several times a day helps, then I’m going to do it!” -What affirmation makes you feel better? WELL THINK OF ONE.
- I Wanna Be MADE! You remember the MTV series where nerdy high school kids are made to be popular and what not? If you could be MADE into anything…what you be made into?
- I’m reading a book about dogs and kids…it says you may need to compromise some of your dog standards when choosing a dog that will fit every family member’s needs. I think that’s like marriage. What did you compromise when you married?
- Why didn’t they ask you? Write a list of 5 or 10 sentences that begin with the words ‘No one ever asked me’; then, write about one of them in detail, or use them all in a poem, or use several in a personal description of yourself.
- List of 10 things blogging has taught you.
- Pick you favorite song and record your own personal bathroom concert series.
- “Sometimes when it’s hard to see with the eyes I’ve been given, I strap on my camera and pray for new ones. I did that yesterday. It helped.”
- “let he who hath no sin cast the first stone…” Is there anything you have judged prematurely, only to find yourself walking in the same shoes later?
- List your top 10 “Spring Trends”.
- Baby fever is in the air. Describe what you would do differently as a first time mom.
- What book captured your heart? Write about why the first book you loved is the first book you loved.
- Who is a bird-brain? Think about all the birds you’ve seen–from songbirds to hunters. Compare one or more people you know to different types of birds in a piece of writing.
- Why do we need 26? If you could change the alphabet, what would you do? Add? Subtract? Combine? Simplify? Write about it.
- Where does that fear come from? Write about something that frightens you that other people might find ridiculous. Write about it in a poem, a story, or whatever.
- Write a letter to a reality star of your choice.
- What does that tell you about your father? List five products your father used (or uses). Write a longer piece about, at least, one of them.
- What might come from the mouths of babes? Write a humorous piece of fiction where a baby’s first word is a little surprising.
- Where was the recipe? Tell the story of a mistake made in the kitchen.
- “I’m mad at myself. I’m embarrassed. I can’t believe after all these years, I’m still talking about my weight.” Poor Oprah. What are you mad at yourself about?
- Divorce Dreams…a tempting alternative? A disaster to be avoided? Ever an option? Advice? What’s your take?
- What is the joy in your present moment?
- List 10 rules you’ve unlearned (meaning 10 things you thought were expected of you or were the “right way” of doing things, but that you now ignore).
- Mother’s Day is coming…what is the secret behind the close bond you have with your mom? OR What do you do to create that close bond with your kids?
- Write about an experience you have had with a celebrity.
- Who have you forgotten about until right now? Think hard and list five people from your past that you really should have written something about by now but haven’t. Circle the name of the person who stands out the strongest. Write a description or brief memoir of that person.
- List five things you would do different if you started blogging today.
- The world is going to come to an end unless you get a tattoo that covers your entire back. Describe the tattoo you’ll get.
- Describe a moment when you put your foot in your mouth.
- An Open letter to new moms.
- In honor of teacher appreciation week write a poem to a teacher you remember or currently know.
- I know my kids really love me because…
- Memories of mom.
- Describe a home cooked meal that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
- Create your own comic strip.
- What was your medicine? Write about a time you remember being ill.
- Oops. Write about a time your kids were yelled at for something they didn’t do.
- What ‘chapters of your life’ would there be? Make a list of your life’s chapters. Choose one. Write five possible opening sentences to that chapter. Then write five possible ending sentences to that chapter.
- “You know a happy ending isn’t really the end. It’s just the place where you choose to stop telling the story. Why not make everything work out when you have the chance?” Where would you could you place your happy ending? (inspired by The Myth Of You And Me pg. 137)
- Describe a popular kids toy or show that you just don’t understand.
- Where were your shoes? Write about an interesting time when you happened to be barefoot. Begin and end your writing with a description of your feet.
- Whom did you hide from? Write about a hiding place you haven’t used for a while.
- Write a 20-line poem (rhyming or non-rhyming) dedicated to your favorite piece of clothing (could be a shirt, hat, shoes, etc.).
- Imagine your life is now a book. In 100 words, write the blurb for it. (It’s what people will read on the back cover.
- Describe a time when you had difficulty communicating with someone who speaks a different language than you.
- If you could do your wedding over, how would you do it?
- Who are you giving a timeout to?
- What do you dream about? Explain a dream you’ve had recently without using the words ‘I’ or ‘me’ or ‘drunk as all get up”.
- What’s so good about it? Write an interesting poem or piece of writing where the last two words of the writing are ‘good-bye’.
- I sometimes laugh when I’m uncomfortable…or being yelled…or in church…or at a funeral. Write about a time when you laughed at an inappropriate time.
- What did you once lose? Write about your search to find it again.
- What current event do you feel strongly about? Write an opinion post!
- Begin each line of your post with “have you ever”.
- Who doesn’t call or write you enough? Write about that person.
- Soundtrack of your life: Pick 10 songs that you would have on a soundtrack for your life, pick a line from each that you most identify with and write a short statement of why this song made it.
- Before I was a mom…
- What would it take? Write an imaginary scene where someone you are still angry with finally deserves to be forgiven.
- 30 things you vow to do this summer.
- The ultimate honey-do list. If your spouse agreed to do any ten things you asked, what would they be?
- The popular girls.
- It happened at work.
- “How long until you realized you had no talent or patience for this? Tell the story (true or fiction) of trying to learn a new talent or hobby that you only pursued briefly.”
- Who first told you that it’s not nice to stare? Write about a time you stared when you maybe shouldn’t have, or a time when sometime stared at you.
- Describe a happy reunion.
- The Love List. Write a list of 50 things you look for in a man.
- Write a poem about a picture.
- What does your child do that reminds you most of yourself? How does it make you feel?
- Write a letter to whatever is stopping you from losing the extra weight you’d like to lose.
- What summer means to your family.
- People would be surprised to learn that…
- Describe someone in your life who you might not know as well as you think you know.
- Write a poem about a memory you sometimes wish would disappear.
- Write a list of 10 things that are sure to put a smile on your face when you are not happy.
- A snappy comeback!
- If you had to relive a day in your life what day would it be?
- When do you first imagine yourself wishing you were older or bigger? Write about it.
- Could a routine become interesting through words? Write about a person (perhaps you) caught up in a daily routine. Establish a rhythm with the story’s words that impersonates the rhythm of the routine.
- Describe how your relationship with your spouse is different then the relationship your parents had while you were growing up.
- Write about someone who is an underdog.
- 10 Reasons why you’re better off without him….or her….or it.
- What are your thoughts on blogging and privacy…where do you draw the line?
- Baby fever is in the air. Describe what you would do differently as a first time mom.
- What book captured your heart? Write about why the first book you loved is the first book you loved.
- Who is a bird-brain? Think about all the birds you’ve seen–from songbirds to hunters. Compare one or more people you know to different types of birds in a piece of writing.
- Why do we need 26? If you could change the alphabet, what would you do? Add? Subtract? Combine? Simplify? Write about it.
- Where does that fear come from? Write about something that frightens you that other people might find ridiculous. Write about it in a poem, a story, or whatever.
- Write a letter to a reality star of your choice.
- What does that tell you about your father? List five products your father used (or uses). Write a longer piece about, at least, one of them.
- What might come from the mouths of babes? Write a humorous piece of fiction where a baby’s first word is a little surprising.
- Where was the recipe? Tell the story of a mistake made in the kitchen.
- I sometimes laugh when I’m uncomfortable…or being yelled…or in church…or at a funeral. Write about a time when you laughed at an inappropriate time.
- “What did you once lose? Write about your search to find it again.”
- What current event do you feel strongly about? Write an opinion post!
- Begin each line of your post with “have you ever”.
- Who doesn’t call or write you enough? Write about that person.Describe a time when you had difficulty communicating with someone who speaks a different language than you.
- If you could do your wedding over, how would you do it?
- Who are you giving a timeout to?
- What do you dream about? Explain a dream you’ve had recently without using the words ‘I’ or ‘me’ or ‘drunk as all get up”.
- What’s so good about it? Write an interesting poem or piece of writing where the last two words of the writing are ‘good-bye’.
- It was a bad burn. Tell about the worst sunburn you ever received. How did that happen!?!
- Write a poem for your furry friend.
- Describe a memorable camping trip.
- It happened on a motorcycle.
- Post a vlog that shows you playing with your kids.
- What would you change about your life if you could?
- I wish I would have…describe a time when you didn’t take action, but later wished you would have.
- A collector you know.
- Photographs can turn a house into a home. Share a photograph that is not on your wall, but should be…if you weren’t so lazy about actually putting it there.
- Write a list of 100 things you want to do before you turn 100. Otherwise known as a “bucket list”.
- Choose a headline from The Today Show website and write up an opinion post based on the story you chose.
- Write a poem about the last thing that made you mad.
- Write about a joke that did not go over well.
- Write a funny story involving socks.
- It happened on Facebook…write about a funny or awkward conversation you saw unfold on Facebook.
- Write about your wedding song. What was it and why did you choose it?
- A movie you probably should have previewed before letting your kids watch.
- We talk about mother’s guilt a lot…who needs it? Describe a good mom moment!
- Post a picture and a description that fits into this quote for you: “How far to heaven? Just open your eyes and look. You are in heaven” -Shankar
- Earthquake! Where were you when it happened?
- If you could do it over again…
- If you were put in “time out”, where would you want to be placed and why?
- Stepping outside the box (describe a time when you went way out of your comfort zone)
- A long drive…
- Describe the first date you went on in a boy’s car.
- Lou Holtz once said, “life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.” Do you believe this? Describe a time when you feel like you could have responded a different way and produced a different outcome.
- I miss the friend you used to be.
- The most unbelievable blue eyes you’ve ever seen…
- The craziest reason I ever got in trouble as a child.
- What would you ask forgiveness for?
- Dear Mommy and/or Daddy…(write a letter to yourself from one of your children)
- This one time I was sleeping and…
- Things you oddly obsessed about as a child.
- Who needs a vacation when you can spend your summer doing this…
- What did you wish for most? Write about a time when it was just too hot.
- Your childhood neighborhood.
- I was holding on tight but…
- “It was as if an invisible thread hooked her to her boy. The thread could go taut or slack but it could never come undone, it could never reach the end of its spool because there was no end; it bound them forever.” What does unconditional love mean to you? (inspired when a mother is forced to give her baby up in The Seamstress by Frances De Pontas Peebles)
- Can it be saved? Think of something that is ruined when it’s totally wet: like a newspaper or a piece of cheese. Write a scene (truth or fiction) that involves you and a soaked item.
- What five images paint a perfect picture of summer to you? Put those five images together in a piece of writing.
- Describe a time when you saved BIG.
- Describe a woman who inspired YOU.
- Write about what blogging means to you. Why do you blog? What purpose does it serve you and how have you benefited from sharing a piece of yourself online this way?
- Why did you do it? Write about a time you chose to break a rule.
- Describe an awkward conversation you had with someone recently.
- A list of things you no longer have in common with your single/childless friends…and why you love them anyways.
- A list of things you no longer have in common with your married/child bearing friends…and why you love them anyways.
- What was it about that movie? Describe A movie you once had memorized.
- Describe your dream home…house, location, and grounds.
- Define “freedom”.
- Childhood fears you’ve taken into your adult life.
- Write a post that begins and ends with a merry-go-round.
- Why were you mortified? Write about a true embarrassing moment as though it was happening in slow motion.
- Open letter to a celebrity.
- Oprah says we all have a story. If you were on her show, what would your story be? What would you be talking about? What advice would she give you? Write about it and provide a snippet of your interview together.
- In the book I’m reading,Girls of Tender Age,the main character is deeply affected by the murder of a childhood friend. Describe a tragedy you didn’t expect to be as deeply affect by as you are.
- Tell us about a day you were sure you wouldn’t get through.
- A time when you should have listened to your mother.
- Your pets least likable character trait.
- 10 Reasons why you love your job.
- Describe the worst diet you ever put yourself on.
- But teachers know everything!! Write about a time a teacher disappointed you.
- …And then you panicked.
- Signs that your little one is just not that into you anymore.
- 10 reasons why you’re glad it’s Fall.
- Describe a job you absolutely would never want to do.
- Show us where you live. Not on a map (security please), but take a picture of the view out your front door, back door, or neighborhood.
- What makes you mad, and what are you going to do about it?
- In an effort to spread awareness, share your (or someone you know/love) breast cancer story.
- If you could stop time for 24 hours, what would you accomplish?
- ….and then I realized it was all a dream.
- The biggest Halloween trick (or prank) you ever pulled.
- Why I’m not inviting my mother to read my blog…
- Share a photo that represents how you see yourself
- A memorable babysitting job.
- In what way were you labeled as a child and how did it affect you?
- About me. Do you have an about me page? Because people want to know. Write a page that describes who you are and what you’re about or spruce up your current about me page!
- A wardrobe malfunction.
- It was SUCH a big deal…write about a fight you got into that you were passionate about then, but that seems silly now.
- A time you feared for the safety of a loved one.
- A book (or tv show … or something) that you watched/loved as a kid, that you see through entirely different eyes as an adult/mom.
- If you could witness (or take part in) any event in history, what would it be? Why?
- What made them so interesting? Remember a unique classmate from your past. Write about him/her.
- Link up and show us something you’ve created for Halloween, anything qualifies…costumes, recipes, crafts, party invites, treats, decorations etc..
- “Keep your face to the sunshine and you can not see the shadow” – Helen Keller. In what ways are you able to stay positive about something that sometimes brings you down?
- Look up a favorite childhood actor and tell us where they are now.
- A post you regret publishing.
- If you had made a career out of whatever you were passionate about when you were ten…what would you be doing?
- A hair disaster.
- Describe a moment when you saw someone hit their breaking point.
- Describe a moment when you ignored your intuition. What happened.
- What are your confessions?
- A time when you stuck up for a friend.
- Something you wish you hadn’t put off til the last minute.
- Sarah Silverman once gave an interview where she described her childhood depression as feeling homesick while at home. How would you describe it?
- Why are you burned out?
- Write a poem about a time someone made you smile.
- A list of 10 reasons you or do not drink coffee.
- An open letter to a celebrity.
- That one time you met your online friend in real life (was it everything you thought it would be?)
- Interview your kids…what do they think Thanksgiving is for? What are they thankful for? etc.
- Share a photo of what Thanksgiving looks like in your neck of the woods.
- Write a poem about the things you are thankful for.
- Describe a memorable Thanksgiving.
- Forget Thanksgiving, write about that time you fell down.
- Have you ever had a fight with a long time best friend and never made up? Do you think about her from time to time and think about contacting her? What would you say? What if it didn’t work out? What if it did?
- The perfect fall photo…share a picture that defines fall for you in your neck of the woods.
- CONTROVERSY! Are the new security measures performed by the TSA really that bad? Take a stance!
- What inspires you to write?
- “If you could relive any moment in your life, what moment would you choose? Write about it.”
- Simple.
- Angsty.
- Excruciating.
- Enchanted.
- Bold.
- A Christmas gift that was not well received.
- Describe yourself in five words. Choose one, and write a poem.
- It happened at daycare.
- Let’s rewind to Summer and warm up! Share some favorite photos from a vacation you took.
- A fist fight.
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- (12/13/10″writing prompts”
12.31.10 “writer’s workshop”)
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